There have been men in important places who have not been guardians of the interests of others. They have been wholly absorbed in their own interests and have neglected to preserve the reputation of the church. They have been selfish and avaricious, not moving with an eye single to the glory of God. The church as a whole is in a degree responsible for the wrongs of its individual members because they countenance the evil in not lifting up their voice against it. The favor of God is not enjoyed for several reasons. His Spirit is grieved by the pride, extravagance, dishonesty, and overreaching which are indulged by some professing godliness. All these things bring the frown of God upon His people. {4T 490.3}

Der har været mennesker på vigtige pladser, som ikke har vogtet over andres ve og vel. De er blevet fuldstændig opslugt i deres interesser og har forsømt menighedens omdømme. De har været (491) selviske og havesyge, ikke handlet med øjnene rettet på Guds ære. Menigheden som helhed, er i den grad ansvarlig for det enkelte medlems fejl, - den går med til det onde, ved at ikke opløfte stemmerne imod det. Af forskellige grunde nydes Guds gunst ikke. Hans Ånd græmmes over stolthed, ødselhed, uærlighed og list som får frit løb af nogle gudsfrygts-bekendende. Alt dette bringer Guds vredesblik over hans folk.